Raising the musical self-efficacy of classroom teachers: best practice collaborative strategies for visiting artists

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the collaborative possibilities of a modified single visit format to support the musical self-efficacy of teachers. A “truncated” action research model (Cain, 2008) was used to demonstrate at a methodological level the importance of teacher involvement in this process. The ensemble Quart-Ed worked with four teachers from Banana School over the course of two collaborative meetings in preparation for delivering a program for their classes. Using interviews, fieldnotes, video recordings, and formal and informal reflection from all participants at every stage of the process, numerous strategies for positive teacher-artist collaboration were identified that increased musical self-efficacy or fostered a sense of ownership of the program. Some attempted strategies were less successful and modified versions are suggested for future cycles of action research. The results of this study suggest that the modified single-visit format has strong potential to positively impact teacher musical self-efficacy and is a possible solution for artists wishing to encourage the musical capabilities of the teacher with whom they interact.